Adaptor for vertical bending press



0d. M, 1958 R. wfRussELL, JR

ADAPTOR FOR VERTICAL BENDING PRESS 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Nov. 14, 1955//////J F:l//////// )5 a 70 $26M w .w @m ur: a "W w 7% I A L |H H2 4 76mm 4 u c u 41 2 Li4 E m u a L w .5 4 1 J H w 7v H. liPlillllwl m. 9 aWM whfl we w ain m A w m 3 7 a 3 Q/ m a m m 2 a @Q m j a a 9., a .4

'R. w. RUSSELL, JR 2,8559% ADAPTOR FOR VERTICAL BENDING PRESS 2Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Nov. 14, 1955 I hwy/0.; BY

x ATTORNEYS.

Unite This invention relates to an adaptor for a vertical platen presswhich renders the press suitable for use on work of extreme length. Theuse of such presses is severely limited because the opening between themovable and stationary platens is relatively small. For example, aconventional one hundred ton straightening and bending press has anopening of about thirty inches and a stroke of eighteen inches. A pressof this size is satisfactory for bending stock of, say, twenty-fourinches in length, but if the stock is much longer interference with theplaten is encountered as the free ends move together during the bendingoperation. In upsetting stock to increase its cross-sectional area, thelength of stock cannot exceed the size of the press opening.Consequently, it has been customary to form long pieces of stock by handforging.

It is a primary object of this invention to provide an apparatus foradapting vertical platen presses with relatively small openings tofabricate work of almost any length.

Another object is to provide an adaptor of this kind which is mounted ona carriage and may be conveniently moved into cooperating position withthe press to render the press suitable for forming operations on longstock.

Another object is to provide an adaptor which converts the verticalforce imposed by the platens of the press to a horizontal force withoutimposing any substantial thrust load on the press.

According to one modification of the invention the adaptor comprises acarriage supporting a horizontallyreciprocal ram, a toggle mechanismadapted to be disposed between the platens of the press for actuatingthe ram, and a pair of cooperating work-engaging members, one fixed tothe ram and the other rigidly secured to the carriage.

Another object of the invention is to provide an adaptor of the typedescribed which is capable of increasing the mechanical advantage of thepress.

A further object is to provide an efficient and practical adaptor ofsimple construction which may be used for a variety of operations,including shearing, bending, upsetting and punching with cooperatingdies.

These and other objects and advantages of my invention will becomeapparent from the following description when read in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is an elevational view of a conventional platen press showingan adaptor, constructed in accordance with the invention, in cooperatingrelationship with the press;

Figure 2 is a sectional view taken along line 22 of Figure 1illustrating a bending operation;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the toggle joint and ram assemblyadapted to rest on the stationary platen of the press. The toggle isshown in elevated position;

Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 3 wherein the toggle is collapsedand the ram is moved longitudinally outwardly;

J aten Figure 5 is a sectional view taken along line 55 of Figure 1;

Figure 6 is a view similar to Figure 1, of a modified form of theinvention which is suitable for handling extra long work pieces;

Figures 7 and 8 are plan views of the adaptor shown in Figure 6,illustrating an upsetting operation; and

Figure 9 is a sectional view taken along the line 9-9 of Figure 7.

Referring now to Figures 1 through 5, which serve to illustrate one formof the invention, the conventional press for which my adaptor isespecially suitable for use is designated generally by the numeral 10.It has an upper movable platen 12 connected to a hydraulic ram 14mounted in the head 11, and a lower stationary platen 16. The mechanismfor providing hydraulic fluid under pressure is housed in the head 11and is of conventional construction. The press is suitably supported bybase members 18 which rest upon the floor. The lower platen 16 may becovered to protect it from wear by means of a suitable plate 20 which isbolted thereto by means of four bolts 22. The upper movable platen 12 ofthe standard press is also modified to some extent by securing a bearingmember 24-, having a bearing plate 26, to the underside of the platen 12by means of suitable bolts 23. The bearing plate 26 serves as a slidingbearing surface for the toggle mechanism 30, as explained hereinbelow.

The adaptor proper may be mounted on a carriage, designated generally bythe numeral 40, consisting of a body 41, which may be made convenientlyfrom spaced l-beams, supported by wheels 42. A bed 44, consisting of aheavy metal plate, is suitably secured to the top of the body 41 toprovide a suitable supporting surface for work-engaging members mountedthereon. Mounted on the right end-of the carriage 40 (as viewed inFigure l) is a pair of longitudinally-extending parallel tension memberswhich take the form of elongated plates or bars 46 and 48. The tensionmembers 46 and 48 extend cantilever-fashion for some distance beyond theend of the carriage 41, and are fastened to the bed 44 by welds alongtheir length and by means of a cover plate 52 and suitable bolts 54. Thetension members are adapted to rest upon the plate 20 covering thestationary platen 16 of the hydraulic press 16 These tension membersmust be made of relatively stout material since they are called upon tobear the extreme loads imposed upon the adaptor in forming parts in thework-engaging members mounted on the bed 44 of the carriage. A baseplate 50 may be welded between the tension members 46 and 48 to spacethe members and to provide sliding support for the ram member 36. Thetension members 46 and 48 are rigidly secured to a spacer block 38disposed between the members near the outer extremities thereof. A pairof heavy bolts 37 are employed for this purpose. The bed 44 of thecarriage is approximately even in height with the plate 20 covering thestationary platen 16 so that the tension members of the adaptor willslide over the surface of the plate Zil when the carriage is pushedintocooperating position with the hydraulic press.

A toggle joint 3%, consisting of a pair of arms 32 and 34 pivotallyconnected at 35, is disposed Within the space between the tensionmembers 46 and 48. The outer extremity of the arm 32 is pivotallyconnected to the block 38 and to the tension members by means of a bolt31. The outer extremity of the other arm 34 of the joint is pivotallyconnected to ram member 36 by means of a pin 33. The ends of the pin areflush with or recessed in the sides of the ram so as not to interferewith its sliding action. The upper joined ends of the arms 32 and 34above the pin 35 are rounded so as to provide a smooth surface forengaging the bearing plate 26 fixed to the upper movable platen of thepress. The

ram member 3'6 is adapted to extend beyond the end of the tensionmembers 46 and 48 above the carriage bed 44 and carries a work-engaginghead 60.

It will be noted that the ram member 36, the toggle arms 32, 34 and thespacer block 38 are all fabricated from a plurality of spaced bars whichare interleafed with the element towhich they are pivotally connected.The spaced alternate bars 3611, which comprise the ram, interleaf withthe bars 34w which make up the arm 34. Likewise, thespaced bars 320,forming the arm 32, interleaf with the alternate projecting bars 36acomprising the spacer block 38. The spaces between bars 36a of the ramand 38a of the block are filled in beyond the connecting pivot points,to form solid parts. The bars 36a and the alternate filler bars aresecured together by means of pins 41 having recessed heads. The innerends of'the bars 36a extend inwardly for some distance past pin 33 toprovide a large contact area with the plate 50 to minimize the pressurethereon; This construction illustrates one way of fabricating theseparts but it will be understood that the arms of the toggle mechanismand the ram and spacer block may be made of solid pieces, suchascastings orforgings.

The movable, or female, work-engaging die member 66 illustrated in thedrawing has a cut-out portion 62 adapted to form a piece of stock to thedesired angle. A tongue 64 projects from the rear of the die member andis adapted to fit between the central bars 36a of the ram. A pin 61extends through the tongue 64 and the end of the ram to hold thework-engaging member 69 in place. A cooperating work-engaging male diemember 72 is fixed securely to the bed 44 in line with member 66 bymeans of a couple of bars 74 which are bolted to the bed with bolts 76.

It will be noted that the outerarm 32 of the toggle mechanism has a link28 pivotally secured thereto, as indicated at. 27 (Figure 1). The outerendof the link 28 connects with the movable upper platen by means of achain 29 or other suitable flexible connection to lift the togglemechanism as the platen 12 rises.

In operation, the tension members and the toggle mechanism containedtherein are disposed between the movable and stationary platens of thepress by pushin" the carriage 40 into proper position. As the movableplaten 12 descends, a vertical force is applied directly to the knee ofthe toggle joint 30 causing the ram 36 to move longitudinally betweenthe tension members 46 and 48. The base plate 50 is well lubricated sothat friction between the plate and the ram is minimized. The area ofthe ram engaging the plate 50 should be sufficiently large so that thepressure loading on the plate is small to further minimize friction. Thehearing plate 26 is also well lubricated to permit the toggle knee toslide thereover. Where forces in the range of one hundred tons are used,it is essential to keep friction to a minimum for smooth operation.

A piece of bar stock B to be bent at an angle of 90 in the dies 68 and72 is shown in Figure 2. As the ram moves forward, the movable femaledie 60 attached to the end of the ram 36 conforms the bar B to the maledie member 72 which is anchored securely to the bed 44 of the carriage.The formed bar B is shown in broken lines in Figure 2. It will be seenthat the size of the press in no way restricts the size of the work thatcan be handled on this adaptor. The length of the parts being operatedupon is limited primarily by the size of the room in which the press andadaptor are located. After the part has been formed, the movable platenis reversed and as it rises, the link connection 23, 29 lifts the togglemechanism 30 to retract the ram and permit insertion between the dies ofanother piece of stock.

It will be understood that the angle forming dies shown in the drawingare used for purposes of illustration only. Any type of die orwork-engaging member may be-used in this apparatus. In fact, itissuitable for use in any application where very high forces must beapplied to the particular part being processed. The use of the togglejoint 30 increases the mechanical advantage provided by the hydraulicram of the press so that tremendous forces may be obtained.

In Figures 6 through 9:11 have shown another form of the invention whichis adapted for processing pieces of stock of extreme length. In thismodification 'the tension members 46 and 43 are extended with extra longtension members 80 and 82. Members 80 and 82 are spaced sufficiently tostraddle the plate 52 and ram 36 at the left end (as viewed in Figure 6)while the opposite ends are bolted to block 38 on either side of tensionmembers 46 and 48 with bolts 37. The outer (left) ends of tensionmembers 80 and 82, which extend far beyond the end of carriage 40, areheld in spaced relation by a block 84 and bolts 86 and are verticallysupported by means of a suitable pedestal 100 which has abase resting onthe floor. If desired, the tension members 80 and 82 may replace members46 and 48 rather than supplement them. The construction shown permitsrapid conversion of the apparatus for use with long stock, and for thisreason is preferred.

it will be noted that the tension members 80 and 82 have a plurality ofpairs of longitudinally-spaced opposed openings 83 which permit theblock 84 to be inserted at a plurality of locations along the length ofthe tensionmembers. This permits-adjusting the length of the apparatusto suit the. particular stock being processed. The apparatus-shown in.Figures 6 through 9. is set up for upsetting a piece of bar stock R. toincrease its cross-sectional area. The stock R is supported'bymeans ofbrackets 86 which hang over the top edges of the tension members 80 and82. The stock must' be heated, of course, in the area where its crosssection: is to be increased. The hangers 86 serve to elevate the stockabove the plate. 81 so that heat is not conducted away by the relativelycool plate. The end of the. ram 36. is.equipped with. a block 90 whichbears against the end of the. stock R. The other end of the. stock bearsagainst the block. 84. Thus all the load is borneby the tension membersdirectly. The bed of the carriage is not used to anchor the stationarymember as inthe construction of Figures 1-5. of the press is closed, thetoggle joint 30 moves the ram to. compress the stock R. Suitable blocks88 may be placed on either side of the stock R at ornearthe point atwhich the cross-sectional area will be increased. The blocks prevent thestock from buckling. InFigures 6 and 7 the ram is shown in retractedposition. In

- Figure 8 the ram is shown in extended position and: it

.crease the cross-sectional area, as indicated at U.

will be noted that the heated portion of the rod has thickened, due tothe compressive force applied, to in- It will be apparent that theapparatus is adaptable to handle stocks of any practical size merely byadjusting the distance between the end of the ram and the position ofthe block 84. Suitable confining dies for up setting to accurate shapemay be employed if desired;

Although a toggle. joint has been illustrated as a suitable. means fortranslating vertical force to horizontal force in the ram, it will beapparent that other suitable mechanical or hydraulic. means may beprovided for accomplishing the same result. It is important, how ever,that the tension' members be provided to tie the force-converting meansto the carriage or stationary work support. Thus, the only force whichmust be withstood by the press is the vertical force applied by thedownwardly moving platen, for which it is designed. All of the thrustforces are taken by the adaptor itself, through the tension members.Consequently, it is not absolutely necessary to anchorthe adaptor to thepress. The tension members and theparts assembled thereto merely restupon the lower platen.

When the movable platen;

For this r'easomthc carriage may be quickly moved out of position whenit is desired to use the press in conventional manner. If the movingparts are still, it may be desirable to secure the tension members tothe stationary platen to prevent shifting of the adaptor with respect tothe press. For example, the adaptor may lift from the lower platen whenthe toggle is retracted if it is not fastened down. But this does notplace on the press any substantial load for which it was not designed.

Other modifications of the invention will be apparent to those who areskilled in the art without departing from the true spirit and scope ofmy invention. It is, therefore, not my intention to limit the inventionother than as necessitated by the scope of the appended claims.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the UnitedStates is:

1. A mobile adaptor for a vertical platen press having an upper movableplaten and a lower stationary platen comprising a wheeled carriagehaving a bed approximately even in height with the surface of saidstationary platen, a pair of laterally spaced tension members secured tosaid bed and extending cantilever-fashion beyond the end of saidcarriage for vertical support by said stationary platen, a bearing platedisposed between said tension members, a ram adapted to slidelongitudinally between said tension members and on top of said plate, apair of arms disposed between said tension members and forming a togglejoint, one arm of said pair being pivotally connected to one end of saidram and the other arm of said pair being pivotally connected to saidtension members, a flexible connection between said toggle joint andsaid movable platen for lifting said toggle when the platen isretracted, a movable work-engaging member fixed to the opposite end ofsaid ram, and a stationary work-engaging member fixed to said carriageand adapted to cooperate with said movable work-engaging member.

2. The adaptor of claim 1 wherein said toggle arms and said ram comprisea plurality of spaced plates, the plates of the arms being interleafedwith each other, the outer extremity of said one arm being interleafedwith the plates of the ram, and the outer extremity of said other armbeing interleafed with plates comprising a supporting block securedbetween said tension members.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS468,462 Kinnear Feb. 9, 1892 1,117,611 Stock Nov. 17, 1914 2,165,614Cook July 11, 1939 2,329,020 Wales Sept. 7, 1943 OTHER REFERENCESAmerican Machinist, vol. 94, issued Jan. 9, 1950.

